Police in Londonderry are treating graffiti on Free Derry Wall as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. A patrol spotted the markings near Lecky Road in the Bogside shortly before 1:30am on Friday. The message referenced the 13 people killed on Bloody Sunday on 30 January 1972.

The graffiti appeared on a wall that had undergone recent community restoration efforts. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood stated that the act aimed to distress the Bloody Sunday victims' families, who campaigned for justice. He called the markings disgusting and urged witnesses to contact police.

DUP Foyle MLA Julie Middleton condemned the incident and noted similar offences against unionist communities. She said such acts stir tension and have no place in the area. Sinn Féin Councillor Aisling Hutton demanded condemnation from unionist leaders.

Officers removed the graffiti later that morning. They requested dash-cam or CCTV footage from the public and provided contact details including the non-emergency line 101 with reference 72 15/05/26.